{
  "id": 16166197,
  "title": "Forget heavy squats — a physical therapist shares 5 joint-friendly moves to build leg power after 60",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/forget-heavy-squats-a-physical-therapist-shares-5-joint-friendly",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-23T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/workouts/forget-heavy-squats-a-physical-therapist-shares-5-joint-friendly-moves-to-build-leg-power-after-60"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gentle exercises can help maintain joint strength and build leg power for those over 60, according to physical therapist Leighton Roberts. These moves are suitable for individuals with limited mobility due to age, injury, or health conditions.\n\n1. Straight leg raises strengthen hip flexors and help with daily activities like walking and climbing stairs. Lie on your back, lift your legs while keeping a slight bend in your knees, and lower them back down controlledly. Perform 6-10 reps and 2 sets.\n\n2. Hip bridges target gluteal muscles, improving hip stability for activities such as standing up and walking. Lie on your back with feet hip-width apart, lift hips up while squeezing glutes, and lower them back down. Do 6-10 reps and 2 sets.\n\n3. Side-lying leg raises strengthen outer hip muscles that aid in balance and walking. Lie on your side, lift the top leg while squeezing glutes, and lower it back down. Repeat 6-10 times and do 2 sets on each side.\n\n4. Heel slides improve hip and knee joint flexibility and relieve stiffness. Lie on your back with legs extended, bend one knee, slide the heel towards your butt, and then slide it back out. Do 6-10 reps and 2 sets per side.\n\n5. Clamshells target outer hip muscles, enhancing stability and balance. Lie on your side, keep hips stacked, open your top knee while squeezing outer glutes, and then lower it. Perform 6-10 reps and 2 sets per side.\n\nStart with these exercises two to three times a week, along with other activities like walking or gardening. Always listen to your body and stop if you experience pain, numbness, or tingling. Consult a physical therapist, physician, or similar professional for personalized recommendations based on your individual needs.",
  "summary": "A physical therapist recommends five crucial strengthening exercises for leg power in people over 60, none of which are squats.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}